Imports of sensitive items up by 10.5%

New Delhi: The imports of sensitive items like milk, milk products, rubber and alcoholic beverages have gone up by 10.5% in 2006-07 to Rs 18,555 crore from Rs 16,789 crore in the previous year.

The government keeps a close watch on import of products in the sensitive list category as any major increase can hurt the vulnerable areas of the country’s economy, especially agriculture and the small scale sector.

If there is an abnormal increase in imports, the government acts by increasing duties and other measures under its command.

While import of milk and milk products grew by 387.6% to Rs 69.72 crore in April-March, that of rubber recorded a 184% growth to Rs 781 crore. Import of alcoholic beverage stood at Rs 161.25 crore, up 30.9%.

Import of edible oil, fruits and vegetables, food grains, SSI products, automobiles, marble and granite also increased during the period under review.

However, import of cotton, silk, spices, tea and coffee have shown a decline during the year. Import of tea and coffee dipped sharply by 51.5% to stand at Rs 84.77 crore in 2006-07, down from Rs 174.67 crore.

In the edible oil segment, imports increased to Rs 9351 crore in 2006-07 from Rs 8954 crore last year. Import of crude oil went up by 9.7% but that of refined oil has gone down by 34.7%.

Growth in edible oil import is mainly due to significant increase in import of crude palm oil and its fractions, which has gone up by 39%.